REVIEW: The Rancher's Homecoming by Cathy McDavid

The Rancher's Homecoming

(Sweetheart, Nevada #1)

by Cathy McDavid

4.5 HEARTS

From Goodreads

A Time To Rebuild

It's gone--everything Annie Hennessey, and two generations of Hennesseys before her, had worked so hard to build. The devastating forest fire didn't just claim her family's Sweetheart Inn--it also burned half a town whose livelihood is wedding tourism. Now the struggle to rebuild is just beginning, and Sam Wyler's sudden reappearance isn't going to make things any easier on Annie.

Nine years ago, Annie and Sam were deeply in love. When he left to seek his fortune, Annie couldn't forgive him. Now Sam, widowed with a young daughter, is back and eager to help the town recover. But Annie needs more than bricks and builders to heal her proud and wounded heart. Could the love they once shared hold the key?

The Rancher's Homecoming is the first book in the Sweetheart, Nevada series by Cath McDavid. I really enjoyed this peek into Sweetheart, Nevada and it's quirky townspeople. I can't wait to read more by Ms. McDavid and more of this town and the people who call it home.

Annie and Sam were high school sweethearts. Everyone believed they would have a happily ever after. They had their future all planned and then Sam did the unthinkable. He dared to leave Sweetheart. He promised he would come back after gaining the job experience he needed to make a life for himself and Annie. Annie, however, couldn't forgive this and the couple couldn't overcome the anger and distance.

Nine years later Sam Wyler is back. His wife died in a car accident leaving him a single father. But, that's not what brought him back. Sweetheart was wiped out by a fire and Sam wants to help the town get back on it's feet. He bought the local landmark and is turning it into a bed and breakfast. He's also picking up the tab for a lot of the renovation of the local businesses and homes. It doesn't take long for him to realize the love he once had for Annie is still as strong as ever. The townspeople may be welcoming him back with open arms, but Annie isn't as accepting.

Annie Hennessey is at her wit's end. The Sweetheart Inn that has been run by 2 generations of Hennessey women is gone. Her mother is suffering from a deep depression and her grandmother's dementia is getting worse everyday. To make matters worse, her ex-husband is making noise of taking their daughter just until she gets back on her feet. Feeling like she's drowning, Annie can't imagine things getting any worse. And then they do. Sam is back and acting like nothing ever happened. She doesn't want to admit her part in the break up years earlier or even face how his life is great and hers is falling apart. If only he wasn't there every time she turned around or the old attraction wasn't as strong as ever.

Thank you to NetGalley.com for the loan of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Hotness Rating 

2 out of 5